Tuesday, August 31, 2010

{6} accessories I'm craving this Fall

{L.A.M.B., fall 2010 runway}

This fall I'm so inspired by the grown-up take on rock and roll that so many of the designers (like Gwen Stefani, pictured above) displayed on the Fall 2010 runways. It's all leather, plaid, studs and black, but with a more tailored approach that suits someone about to enter her third decade instead of her second. Sentimentally though, the trend appeals to my inner-rock child -- the adolescent who a decade ago frequented rock concerts (highlights include Smashing Pumpkins' last tour and Radiohead's OK Computer tour) -- and, of course, my perennial retreat to black whenever the temperatures drop. This season though, I'm focusing on picking up just a few key accessories to refresh and update my existing wardrobe, rather than picking up a whole lot of clothing that (frankly) I just don't need.

So without further ado, here's what I'm longing to add to my wardrobe this fall:

I was not an early adopter of the bootie trend. In fact, it's taken me months to jump on that bandwagon, and I do so now only hesitantly, with the caveat that only a fraction of the booties available on the market are flattering and/or appropriate for anything other than pants-only pairings. That said though, I love these. The cut outs, the charcoal gray patent (and I've never been able to resist patent leather shoes), the way they dip below the ankle for maximum leg-lengthening capabilities....but best of all? They're super duper comfy.

Swallows are often associated with rock-n-roll and I love how Marc Jacobs incorporated them into the hardware of this adorable cross-body bag. In college, I had a nylon cross-body bag from Kate Spade and I wore it to death -- I even had a friend memorialize me with it in a cartoon for the school paper. Since then, I've been favoring shoulder bags and satchels, but I can't deny the appeal of a hands-free bag like this for weekends antiquing, sight-seeing or even just trolling the mall.

Any girl trying to pull of a sophisticated rock-n-roll look has to have a pair of studs like these.

Love the ombré effect of this cozy sweater. Boyfriend cardigans, drapey sweaters and ponchos are all big for fall and I love their casual, comfy look for cool fall weekends. These pieces also, of course, make wonderful travel companions.

I'm quite fond of the look of multiple, messy chains all tied up into one, easy to wear piece (I'm not so great at layering on my own, I'll be honest). I particularly like this piece for its mix of metals as well as its feminine touches. It's tough, but delicate. And I love that contrast.

So while these aren't exactly "rock 'n roll," I can't help but want these graphic pieces to inject a little color and whimsy into my new, tough chic look:

Perhaps it's my height or my low blood pressure, but I've always had very cold feet. In the fall and winter, that typically means that I pad around the house (and sleep) in socks -- and the cuter those socks are, the better. Knee socks are also a great choice for boots as they avoid chafing. But if unlike me you're brave enough to don them with heels and a mini-skirt, then I say the more power to you.

I love an oversized, gauzy scarf. It's perfect for layering on cooler days and for pulling out of your purse at work or at the movies when you find yourself the victim of an overzealous a/c unit. I love the pink and gray color combo of this scarf as well as the geometric print, which has a slightly '80s vibe that's very in this season.

So what about you, what are you craving to this fall?